The Proya Huzhou Tennis Open 2024 begins in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 13. [Photo/WeChat account: huzhoufabu]

The Proya Huzhou Tennis Open 2024, organized by the Chinese Tennis Association and Huzhou Sports Bureau, kicked off in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, on Oct 13. This is the first time Huzhou has hosted an international A-level tennis competition.

The event features the ITF International Women's Tennis Tour (W35) and the ITF International Men's Tennis Tour (M25).

Applications poured in from nearly 600 athletes representing over 30 countries and regions, including the United States, Russia, and Australia, with 160 players ultimately qualifying for the competition.

The women's events, including singles and doubles matches, will run from Oct 13 to 20, while the men's competitions are scheduled from Oct 20 to 27, spanning a total of 15 days.

"In recent years, tennis in Huzhou has been burgeoning with enthusiastic participation, and we have hosted many competitions," said Huang Jiandong, deputy general manager of Huzhou Sports Industry Development Co, the event's operating company.

He also emphasized the city's commitment to enhancing its tennis infrastructure, with venues such as the Huzhou Tennis Center, Xiaomeigang Sports Park Tennis Courts, and the upcoming Aoqinghui International Tennis Center.

During the competition, the organizing committee also arranged a variety of activities, such as player meet-and-greets and friendly matches to provide tennis enthusiasts with the opportunity to talk with professional players.